BODY WORK
Because our bodies can hold heavy, dense energy, it’s important that we learn how to release that. If we don’t, it can create stagnation and blockages that will ultimately affect us physically as well. We may experience this in the form of headaches, dizziness, digestion issues, upset stomach, tightness or soreness in the muscles, fatigue, a lump in the throat, mood swings and anger, hormonal imbalances, and depression of the spirit.
I learned this the hard way. For nearly 20 years, I was living in a toxic relationship. I had given up on trying to reason or communicate with my partner, and just went with the flow in order to try and maintain peace in my home. I also tried to hold back my emotions because my partner made me feel bad for expressing them, or used those emotions against me.
Eventually, I became energy sick from holding that energy inside of me for so long. Over time it started to manifest physically in my body. Initially, I didn't make this connection and did what most people would do - go to doctors seeking solutions. No one could tell me what was wrong with me.
I was frustrated because I was eating healthy, organic, exercising, meditating. Later I learned I had developed an autoimmune condition, which was due to the emotional and chronic state of stress I had been living in.
Our emotions have a tremendous impact on our health. If we don't express them, they can get trapped in our bodies on a cellular level and create dis-ease and illness, even change our DNA.
The best thing we can do is let out our emotions, as uncomfortable as it may be sometimes.
Here are a few simple ways to use the body that I like to share to release stagnation and get the energy moving.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT
Moving with awareness of the body and breath unites the body and mind.
While many types of aerobic and anaerobic exercise supports your wellbeing, there are other forms of physical activity that connects the mind and body and help raise your vibration.
I used to be an avid runner, pushing myself hard to reach certain goals. While it’s good to push ourselves outside of our comfort zone time to time, it is even more important to listen to your body. When it needs rest, rest. If your muscles are tight and sore, take the time to nourish them to avoid injury. Pushing ourselves past our limits too often can lead to burnout and puts stress on our nervous system, which can lead to other issues.
These days, I prefer to walk. It’s a great way to start my day, nourishes my nervous system, and keeps me connected with nature.
Here are some of my other go-to’s, and wonderful practices for moving heavy emotions and stuck energy out of the body, as well as raising your vibration.
Qigong
Chinese practice using movement, affirmations, breathwork, visualizations, and meditation to improve the flow of "qi" or life force, restores inner harmony and your connection with nature.
Tai Chi
Chinese system of physical exercises that facilitates the flow of life force in the body, promotes good health and vitality. Tai Chi utilizes movements that are Yin Yang opposites: softness and strength, forward and backward, action and calm.
Yoga
Includes stretching and strengthening poses, breathing exercises, and meditation practices. It uses body, breath, and the senses to reconnect you with the universe and move emotions and thoughts into stillness.
Mindful movement is a great way to reduce stress, bring more clarity into your life, strengthen your aura (energetic field), increase physical strength and flexibility, regulate your nervous system, better balance and coordination, weight loss, and elevate mood.
Trauma Body Method
Trauma Body Method was designed to specifically release trauma and emotions stuck in the body. Trauma gets stored in our body on a cellular level, so this method will help clear that from your system. Trauma Body Method combines various practices, such as Yoga, Kundalini, Qigong, Trauma Release Exercises (TRE), and breath work. It helps move the heavy stuff out and raises your frequency so that you can start attracting positive people and experiences into your life.
Check with a healthcare practitioner before beginning any new exercise routine. And be sure to listen to your own body and do only what feels good to you.
SHAKING
Shaking your body for at least a few minutes to 15 minutes breaks down any stagnation in your body and soothes your body. Shaking activates the parasympathetic nervous system and signals the brain to calm, relax and let go. Shaking also activates the lymphatic system of our body, which helps our body get rid of the toxins.
For your shaking practice: stand, bend your knees slightly, keep your back straight and then just go wild. I have come to believe there really is no ‘wrong way’ to do this, but just think of wild dancing and you’ll be on the right track. You can even put on music when you do this. You may feel silly at first, but it starts to take you back to that childish sense of play and instantly makes you feel joy. You’ll start to laugh, and smiling is another way to instantly melt stress away.